TF Amethyst

Command Post, FOC Venom.

As he looked at the fire wall displayed on the display table Colonel Glass said, "It's cheap, but turned out to be effective."

"Yeah," Major Kimber replied briefly.

A single bottle of Molotov Cocktail only cost 2 US of D, or equivalent to 4 pieces of 5.56 mm round, but the effect was much larger. And when it was combined with a catapult, Molotov cocktails would become an effective means to counter a formation of footbow, ballista, or human wave tactic.

Therefore, both Colonel Glass and Major Kimber understood why Harley Quinn emphasizes that Molotov Cocktails should become the main option in the effort to counter Kingdom of Makai's ground offensive.

Colonel Glass then turned to Analyst Jackson. "How much of opposing force did we manage to eliminate?"

"The final estimation is about 60 thousand, Sir."

"That's another big number to send me straight to hell."

"But you don't look that worried," Major Kimber said in a half question tone.

"On my first tour, I already threw away my ticket to enter the holy heaven." 

"Well, now I know another reason why General O'Neil chose you to lead this forward camp and also why your previous staff officer followed you faithfully." 

"Yeah." Colonel Glass calmly replied before taking a sip of his coffee. 

To this moment, many officers at TF Amethyst were still wondering why Colonel Glass was deployed to lead FOC Venom. Considering that other Forward Operating Camp was only led by a Captain. 

Moreover, Colonel Glass was not a regular Colonel but the second highest officer at Ground Combat Group. With his seniority and combat experience he was more than qualified to lead a Medium Operating Base. Therefore, if an unexpected accident occurred and Colonel Glass was KIA, that would become one of the greatest losses for TF Amethyst.

On the other side, one of the few officers who knew the reason behind Colonel Glass' appointment was Major Kimber. She knew that Colonel Glass was not the smartest or bravest middle-rank officer in TF Amethyst. However, he was the only officer that throughout his military career had never lost any camp under his watch. Not even once, no matter what the challenge or circumstance were.

In other words, Colonel Glass's appointment was a form of determination that TF Amethyst would not give up on FOC Venom regardless of the circumstance.

---

As he looked at the strategy table, Prince Makar sank into a deep contemplation. Makai Intelligence Service already knew that Amethyst Merchants were able to produce liquid fuel massively and cheaply. However, their intel never mentioned its adoption as a weapon system.

Of course, Prince Makar did not blame the Makai Intelligence Service for failing to sniff the bottle throwing weapon system. As he believed this was its first appearance in real combat. Moreover, even Count Isak who was entering FOC Venom several times also failed to realize its existence.

But still, when he heard the effective range and accuracy of TF Amethyst's new toy, in an instant he got a shock that was much deeper compared to when he heard that the second wave of Rider was intercepted and wiped out clean.

With ease Prince Makar concluded, 'It's not as simple as throwing a huge number of bottles filled with liquid fuel. This weapon system is a result of serious thinking.

Its accuracy and effective range will provide various tactics for field officers. And depending on the application, it will become a cheap game changer for TF Amethyst.'

As he took a deep breath, Prince Makar turned to Duke Kalzar. "Uncle, we can no longer put our bet on tactics to drain their fire power and resources."

Duke Kalzar nodded before replying, "It seems like TF Amethyst's higher-ups are not a bunch of simplistic arrogant who would blindly rely on the advantage of high level technology."

"Indeed, compared to the arrogant fool from 1st World Authorities, TF Amethyst's higher-ups are far more dangerous."

"Fortunately, human wave tactics are not our only option." 

A thin smile then bloomed on the lips of Prince Makar and Duke Kalzar. A moment later, they already enjoy a festive lunch leisurely, as if the failed attempt to take FOC Venom was not a big deal.

---

After Makai Intelligence Service confirmed that more than a hundred thousands of military personnel at Sandhur Region were member of Buriek Guard, Prince Makar immediately ordered Marquis Orev to dig an underground tunnel, starting from the 2nd Camp to 1st Camp in the tip of the border, and continued to the center of Levsait and Raisait.

To hide the excavation activity from TF Amethyst's aerial reconnaissance, construction warehouses were established on several entry points. The excavated dirt was then being packed with sandbag and stacked in these warehouses, while the construction materials in the warehouse were being moved to underground tunnel gradually.

Marquis Orev carried out his mission as if his life depended on it. As a result, the construction of underground tunnel ran slightly faster than its initial schedule. Even before Prince Makar and Duke Kalzar arrived in Sviek Region, The construction of the underground tunnel had passed the 1st camp, and flanked each side of FOC Venom towards Levsait and Raisait.

Right after the lunch, Prince Makar and Duke Kalzar visited the underground tunnel through one of entry points. They casually descended a 3 meter wide downward walkway into a depth of 8 meters. Then walked along a 6 meter wide tunnel, with a 4 meter high ceiling supported by wooden block, sturdy pave floors, and illuminated by oil lamps that attach along the tunnel wall.

During the trip, Prince Makar and Duke Kalzar met with carts and horses that passed the underground tunnel easily, and this made the two smiled broadly. Then, a few minutes later they arrived at underground command center and were greeted by Marquis Orev and Count Isak.

"First Prince, Lord Duke, welcome to underground command center," Marquis Orev said proudly but also respectfully.

After slightly nodding, Prince Makar then looked at every corner of command center. "It seems like this place is bigger compared to command center at 2nd Camp?"

"Yes, it is. This servant adds an accommodation chamber for you and Duke Kalzar, in case both of you have to lead the operation from here."

As he frowned Duke Kalzar said, "Marquis Orev, I hope the construction of this accommodation chamber does not interfere with schedule for main tunnel."

"Of course not, Lord Duke." Marquis Orev replied confidently, "In three days, we will reach the center of Levsait and Raisait."

With full of sincerity Count Isak then bowed deeply to Prince Makar. "First Prince, to redeem the failure in discovering the bottle throwing weapon system, please allows this lowly servant to lead the attack to Levsait."

"Very well, Count Isak, you will lead the attack to Levsait." 

"Thank you, First Prince, this lowly servant will not let you down."

"I know." Prince Makar then turned towards Duke Kalzar. "Uncle, let's move the entire slave worker we have to this camp."

"Understood, with a combination of slave workers and the mercenary, we will have enough strength to launch human wave tactic for three days in row, and that will become a good distraction." Duke Kalzar paused for a moment before continuing, "Moreover, we have spent a lot of money to get them, so we should use them to the fullest."

"I agree we have to use them to the fullest, but we will make a little adjustment." As his three closest followers looked at him with a questioning gaze, Prince Makar continued, "For the next three days, we will stockpile water and sandbag at the starting point of human wave attack.

We will make an impression as if we are preparing to counter TF Amethyst's fire tactic. Then, on the fourth day we will launch the underground attack to the center of Levsait and Raisait, along with human wave attack."

Almost at the same time, Duke Kalzar, Marquis Orev, and Count Isak nodded, and then they firmly replied, """Understood."""

*****